Four impressive libraries nominated for the Public Library of the Year 2022 award

Systematic and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) are once again awarding the Public Library of the Year award. This year, four widely differing libraries have been nominated – from a library in the mountain-ringed city of Missoula in north-west USA to a library in the provincial town of Ogre in Latvia.

Twenty libraries from 17 different countries sought nomination for the award, which recognises new public libraries that successfully combine functional architecture with creative IT solutions and local culture. In the quest to find the world’s best public library anno 2022, the international jury, comprising members of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), narrowed the field to just four nominees: Missoula Public Library in the USA, Gellerup Library in Denmark, Ogre Central Library in Latvia and Ithra Library in Saudi Arabia. The nominated libraries stand out, among other things, for the way in which they draw on the surrounding countryside for their inspiration, and also for their use of modern and sustainable solutions in the design and daily running of the building.

Jakob Lærkes, chairman of the jury panel and head of libraries in the Municipality of Gladsaxe on Zealand, Denmark, is thrilled with the developments which are being seen within contemporary library design and architecture:

“New libraries worldwide have a strong focus on sustainable solutions, community involvement and exciting digital possibilities. The field of nominated libraries shows the scope of this development – with small innovative libraries to large and prestigious buildings with considerable wow effect.”

To qualify for the award, the library must be newly built or housed in buildings which have not previously been used as a library. The Public Library of the Year award comes with a cash prize of USD 5,000 (more than DKK 30,000), which is sponsored by Systematic A/S. The award will be presented at the IFLA’s world congress, which is being held this year in Dublin, Ireland, on 26-29 July.

The nominated libraries are: 

Missoula Public Library

Missoula Public Library, designed by MSR design, is located in Missoula, in the American state of Montana. The library is a climate-focused design which is inspired by its surroundings and the spectacular mountainscape. On the top floor, visitors can enjoy views of Mount Sentinel and the Missoula skyline.

Gellerup Library

Located in a challenging area of Aarhus, Denmark, Gellerup Library is a multifunctional building that is characterised by its light, playful and welcoming atmosphere. It's designed by Schmidt, Hammer and Lassen Arkitekter. In designing the library, considerable care was devoted to its environmental, social and economic sustainability. During its construction, the project drew on the skills of unemployed local young people, which subsequently secured many of them jobs.

Ogre Central Library

Ogre Central Library, designed by PBR, in Latvia stands out for its extensive use of wood both inside and out, and which, in addition to being sustainable, also creates a warm and inviting look. The windows on the second floor are designed as large plywood boxes with cushions, curtains and dimmable lighting where visitors can create their own comfortable reading booths with views of the woods.

Ithra Library

Ithra Library in Saudi Arabia, designed by Snøhetta, is a stunning library where different types of stone have been used to create a highly distinctive look. In addition to the library, the 80,000 square meter building houses various cultural facilities including a museum, cinema, theatre, educational centre and restaurants. Eighty per cent of the building is underground, which insulates it from the heat and thus reduces energy consumption.